The Successful Downtown Plaza will be Extended to Jersey Avenue During Summer Trial Period

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop has signed an Executive Order extending the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza to Jersey Avenue, in an effort to build off of the success that local businesses have experienced since the original Plaza was started in 2015. The Executive Order calls for the closure of Newark Avenue between Barrow Street and Jersey Avenue for a period of 60 days, during which the City will monitor the expansion and solicit feedback from residents and business owners.

“The Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza has brought together the community and enhanced local businesses in big ways, and through the expansion of the plaza, we hope to continue to provide a pedestrian-only space that will continue to attract families, customers, and new small businesses, to Newark Avenue,” said Mayor Fulop. “We are confident in the success of this expansion, and look forward to using this pedestrian-focused space as a model for additional pedestrian plaza’s throughout the City.”

Through the extension plan, traffic will continue from Barrow Street through to Erie Street, now in a one-way traffic pattern heading North. The new Plaza will also include the small portion of Bay street that runs between Newark Avenue and Erie Street.

The trial period, which will run between May 21st and July 19th, will give the City a more accurate read of the use and success of the second portion of the Plaza, as restaurants and businesses can take advantage of additional outdoor space during warm weather and foot traffic increases.

If successful, The City expects to make this extension permanent in the Fall, and is currently working out a plan to raise the street, build a playground on the Plaza, and enhance the style and infrastructure. During the next year, the City has budgeted $1 million for these upgrades, and will work with the community on a permanent vision for the Plaza.

The original portion of the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza began to operate in full effect in 2015, and has since brought dozens of new businesses to the area. During this time, the City has worked to upgrade the Plaza’s look and feel, while also increasing the JCPD patrol of this area to help with after-hours crowds. Most recently, Mayor Fulop proposed changes to the operation of bars and restaurants along the corridor that would limit rooftop hours to midnight and restricting re-entry after 1 a.m. in an effort to reduce disruption to the community. These changes will go before the City Council on Wednesday, May 23rd for a second reading.